Draft Stopper Craft for Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Initiative

• The draft stopper craft falls in line with the Girl Scout philosophy of taking care of the planet. A draft stopper creates a barrier along the bottom of a door or window so hot and cool air does not escape the home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners save money by reducing air leaks through caulking, weatherstripping and sealing cracks to the outside. Another way is to block the air leaks with a draft stopper.

When and What Is Needed?

• The best time to complete the draft stopper craft is either in the spring, right before the summer months, or in the fall so homeowners can use the stoppers for the colder weather. Designate a day when the troop visits the local fabric store. Let each girl choose her fabric. Purchase one yard of fabric for a standard 36-inch door. In addition, buy sand in bulk, ribbon and adornments for decorating the stoppers.

Creating the Draft Stopper

• At a table large enough to work, lay out the fabric and fold it in half. Roll loosely the open end of the fabric. Using ribbon, tie a knot on one end of the roll and tie the ribbon into a bow. Leave 4 inches of fabric on the end. Open up the roll and carefully poor the filling inside. Leave another 4 inches at the end, tie another tight knot and finish with a bow. Use a hot glue gun to add embellishments that create an animal, such as a mouse or snake, for example. Cut off the remaining fabric near the ties.

Distribution

• Establish a time to deliver the draft stoppers to low-income housing units or give to people in the community. Distributing these draft stoppers will create energy awareness and help people save money on their energy bill. You can also set up shop at a local craft fair. Give the proceeds to reputable foundations, such as the World Resources Institute or Save the Earth Foundation, to finance environmental initiatives, raise public awareness and fund research.